Task Force Updates

Task force updates are available on resolutions approved by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod during the 2016 national convention.

Resolution 3-04

To Create Task Force for Study of Issues Relating to Procreation, Fertility and Care for Unborn

Res. 3-04 recognized the blessing of children, changing science and technology, and the desire of Christians to receive guidance from the church on procreation, fertility and care of the unborn (e.g., contraception, procreative alternatives, reproductive assistance and even abortion). The adopted resolution called for the president of the Synod to appoint a task force to take up these issues and report back to the next convention.

Resolution 4-03B

To Convene Task Force to Review Recognized Service Organization Program and Bylaws

Res. 4-03B highlighted the long history of the Synod in recognizing the contributions of and working in partnership with Recognized Service Organizations (RSO). In recent years, these organizations have been challenged by funding issues, government restrictions and legal issues related to their work in the community as a nonprofit organization recognized by the LCMS. While a thorough review of the program was conducted in 2006–07, which resulted in program improvements, the convention delegates called for a task force to be formed to address specific issues, make recommendations and report its findings to the next convention.

Resolution 7-02B

To Preserve Concordia Colleges and Universities as Institutions of the Church and Strengthen Their Structural Bonds with Synod

Res. 7-02B recognized the Concordia colleges and universities as “treasures of the church” that serve to educate students for service both in church work and secular occupations. The Res. 7-02B task force is a continuation of the task force established at the 2013 convention through Res. 5-01A, “To Encourage Continue Faithful Witness by Concordia University System.” The convention delegates commended the previous work accomplished through the Res. 5-01A task force and called for the task force to continue its work.

Resolution 8-03A

To Support the Quality and Sustainability of Lutheran Schools through the Work of the Blue Ribbon Committee on Lutheran Schools

Res. 8-03A recognized the importance of supporting our Lutheran schools and raising up school administrators to continue the long history of the Synod in providing a strong Lutheran school system. This resolution called for the continuation of the Blue Ribbon Committee, established in a prior convention, to support and address issues related to our Lutheran schools. The committee’s work is to be completed by mid-2018 so that it can be reported to the 2019 convention for consideration.

Resolution 11-10

To Authorize Review of Synod Nominations/Elections Processes

Res. 11-10 recognized that the nominations and elections processes leading up to convention have gone through many changes over the past 10 years. These changes resulted in cumbersome and complicated processes that were confusing and had difficult time-frame expectations. This resolution calls for a thorough review of Bylaw 3.12, “Nominations and Elections.”

Resolution 13-01A

To Extol and Equip the Blessed Partnership between the Royal Priesthood and the Office of the Public Ministry

Res. 13-01A recognized the blessings of both those called to the royal priesthood (all believers) and those called to the Office of the Public Ministry (pastors or deacons preaching the Word of God and administering the Sacraments). The resolution called for the formation of a task force to continue the dialogue about strengthening the complementary relationship between the laity and those called to the public ministry.

Resolution 13-03

To Address Future Church Leadership Needs in Light of Current and Future Challenges

Res. 13-03 continues the study of the church’s need to reach out and evangelize to the increasingly ethnically diverse population in America, while also preserving the divinely instituted pastoral office and remaining faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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